Volvo 'LifePaint' - anyone tried it?

Elfbert

I saw a video about Volvo's new idea - to spraypaint cyclists so we're nice and reflective

Anyone been lucky enough to get a free can and give it a go?

Here's a bit about it:

http://creativity-online.com/work/volvo-life-paint/40192

I'd happily spray my bag and bike up. Although you'd have to remember to refresh it regularly. Beats faffing about with a reflective cover for my rucksack though, depending on cost etc.

Johnmcl7

It's difficult to tell from the video how effective the paint is as it doesn't really show it in normal circumstances alongside another well lit bike - in the picture, the bike without the paint is poorly lit in terms of its own lights and reflectors. I have a good selection of reflectors and lights on both my bike and clothing to the degree I actually feel safer cycling at night than during the day.

Then again I guess if the paint is reasonably cheap it's obviously going to be quick and easy to apply to items.

John

Marco_Panettone

Any sort of lighting/reflecting someone on a bike has only works if drivers are looking where they're going, concentrating on the road and driving at a speed so they can stop in the space they can see to be clear.

atrixblue.-MFR-.

So it can easily be washed off eh! What happens if it just so happens to rain?


Depending on the cost per can, and the amount of bad weather weve been receiving if your thinking of buying it, make sure to buy a good few cans of it.


Now If they have said, they were going be supplying a special powdercoat pigment for bike frames that when the frames are poweder coated and or spray painted at manufacturer, youd get the option to buy a bike that's reflective in any colour you choose at night to any type of light not just headlamp or torches then that would be something allot of people I think would opt to buy if they do allot of say country road or urban riding.

Elfbert

That's why I was wondering if anyone on here had got one of the free cans. I imagine it's got a lot of limitations - for instance, if it washes off easily, it may also wear off quickly, and as it's invisible you wouldn't know!

Retrogamer

I'm thinking of getting a can so i can draw funny shapes of my friends cars and they'll never know until it's dark.

esuhl

I've covered my bike in highly-reflective 3M tape, which is weatherproof (unlike Volvo's spray).

My new panniers are high-visibility, with reflective thread woven throughout. And my gloves and jacket have reflective trim. Oh, and I have reflective spoke thingies too.

The spray is a nice idea, but it's a bit gimmicky.

Nebulous2

I remember seeing a bike with a fluorescent frame. I think it might have been an on-one model, possibly the Pompino.

enfield_freddy

even Sinclair C5s had reflective tape on them , that was back in the early 80s

armyknife

Elfbert wrote: »

I saw a video about Volvo's new idea - to spraypaint cyclists so we're nice and reflective

Anyone been lucky enough to get a free can and give it a go?

Here's a bit about it:

http://creativity-online.com/work/volvo-life-paint/40192

I'd happily spray my bag and bike up. Although you'd have to remember to refresh it regularly. Beats faffing about with a reflective cover for my rucksack though, depending on cost etc.

Seems more in the "women should wear shorts skirt is they don't want to be raped" territory ie blame the victim.

What sort of reflectivity/illumination will show up cyclists to people who're driving and texting ?

Elfbert

I agree up to a point, Armyknife! But I also wear hi-viz, have reflective gear and 4 lights on my bike because I'd rather be more visible than be squashed...but yes, on an almost daily basis drivers either don't look, don't see me, or choose to ignore the fact I'm there at all. Just today a guy pulled into a right hand turn just in front of me then slammed into reverse to do a 3 point turn. When I made my displeasure clear he shrugged and drove off at speed... no one has yet invented a paint to make drivers give a toss though